D Gukesh: India’s Youngest-Ever World Chess Champion
D Gukesh Makes History as India’s Second-Ever World Chess Champion
In a historic moment for Indian chess, D Gukesh emerged victorious at the World Chess Championship in Singapore last year, becoming the country’s second-ever world chess champion. The young prodigy defeated defending champion Ding Liren in a thrilling showdown to claim the prestigious title, making him the youngest-ever world chess champion in history.
Gukesh’s remarkable achievement comes after the legendary Viswanathan Anand, who has won the world chess championship five times. With this win, Gukesh has etched his name in the annals of Indian chess history and solidified his status as a rising star in the world of chess.
The decisive 14th game of the championship match was a nail-biter, with both players locked in a fierce battle. It seemed like the match was heading towards a tie-breaker stage, as per Liren’s strategy. However, a critical blunder by the Chinese Grandmaster in the 55th move turned the tide in Gukesh’s favor, leading to his historic victory.
Adding to the intrigue of Gukesh’s triumph was the revelation that he had Paddy Upton as his mental conditioning coach. Upton, known for his work with top athletes and sports teams, including the 2011 ODI World Cup-winning cricket team and the Indian men’s hockey team at the 2024 Paris Olympics, played a crucial role in preparing Gukesh for the championship showdown.
In a recent interview, Upton shared insights into his training approach with Gukesh, highlighting the young chess prodigy’s exceptional self-awareness and maturity. Despite his initial reservations about coaching a chess player, Upton was impressed by Gukesh’s mental fortitude and readiness to take on the world stage.
Upton’s guidance and mentorship proved instrumental in Gukesh’s journey to the world chess championship title. Through meticulous mental preparation and strategic planning, Gukesh was able to outmaneuver his opponents and emerge victorious in the high-stakes tournament.
As Gukesh basks in the glory of his historic win, the chess world eagerly awaits his future endeavors and the impact he will continue to make on the game. With a dedicated coach like Upton by his side, Gukesh is poised to achieve even greater heights in the world of chess and inspire a new generation of chess enthusiasts in India and beyond.